Hodgson held to draw

New Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson kicked off his tenure at the helm of Anfield with a tough draw in Switzerland against Grasshoppers.

After what should have been his first game in charge against Al Hilal was called off, Hodgson took his place on the sidelines and saw his side battle for a well earned draw.

New signings Joe Cole and Danny Wilson were not included in the squad, but Spanish star Albert Riera, who has reportedly agreed a deal with Olympiakos, found a place on the bench.

The home side started brightly and pushed forward in the opening stages but were unable to create any clear cut chances as Liverpool began to find their stride and hit back with some creativity through the impressive David Amoo.

David Ngog looked set to break the deadlock on 21 minutes, as the Frenchman found himself one-on-one with the 'keeper following a long ball through the middle, but a late flag ruled him offside before he was able to convert.

Alberto Aquilani then had a great chance to get his pre-season up-and-running but the Italian sent his free kick sailing over the bar from a dangerous position and was none too impressed with himself as his reaction showed.

The former Roma man found himself with another set-piece opportunity moments later, but despite getting his shot on target it was a comfortable save for Benito in the Grasshoppers' goal.

Ngog then had another great chance to open the scoring on 27 minutes, but could only send his shot crashing into the side netting after beating the offside trap and finding himself with only Benito to beat.

Grasshoppers began to test Cavalieri as the half time whistle beckoned, but the Argentine was in good form and denied the lively Steven Zubar before seeing Steven Lang send a powerful volley over the bar.

The Swiss side should have taken the lead on 38 minutes, as Cavalieri could only parry a Salatic shot, Rennella raced in to tap home from three yards out but was prevented by a desperate block from Cavalieri who flung himself in the way.

The second half saw chances limited with defences on top, both sides were restricted to counter-attacking football in an attempt to find the first goal of the game as substitutions began to break up the flow of the match.

As the game entered its closing stages, Eccleston attempted to liven up proceedings as he broke deep in his own half through the Grasshoppers' defence before unleashing a drive from 25-yards but was unfortunate to see his effort flash just wide.

The Merseysiders struggled to pick up the pace of the game as the clock ticked down, with substitutions taking their toll, however Roy Hodgson will be pleased with his side following an industrious performance.

The hosts should have secured the win in the last minute, as Ayala missed his attempted clearing header, but defender Brindeiro couldn't make the most of his chance and despite being five yards out and unmarked, the ball bounced beneath his swinging leg and out for a goal kick.

That proved to be the last chance of the game, and Hodgson will hope to build on this solid performance as the Reds' continue their preparation for the new season.

Liverpool: Cavalieri (Gulasci 47); Darby, Kelly (Palsson 71), Ayala, Degen, Eccleston, Lucas (Ince 61), Spearing, Amoo (Robinson 81); Aquilani (Shelvey 61), Ngog (Dalla Valle 62)

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